PN leadership candidate Adrian Delia will be only publishing his declaration of assets if he is elected leader, saying by law this obligation only applies for MPs.

However, he made it clear he had no foreign companies, bank accounts nor any commercial interests with Labour officials.

He pointed out that during his time as Birkirkara FC president, he was at the forefront to introduce rigorous due diligence

Dr Delia was replying to Times of Malta during a news conference which he addressed this morning at the Msida skate park where he outlined his proposals for young families and youths.

He pointed out that during his time as Birkirkara FC president, he was at the forefront to introduce rigorous due diligence for all those aspiring to involve themselves in club management on a nationwide scale.

“If I were elected PN leader I would publish my declaration of assets in the shortest possible time and in the most transparent manner,” he said.

He denied claims that he had SmartCity shares or was in business with Labour officials.

“These are just lies being propagated by those whose only intention is to tarnish my reputation,” he said.

He noted that his declaration would include his residence, summer house, details on his main business and those of any other interests.

“At this stage I am already divulging details to PN general council members and once I become a public person, I will be doing so in the most transparent manner for public scrutiny.”

He added that people also had a right to know the assets of politicians even after they bow out of politics.

When asked, the PN leadership candidate said he was against the government’s proposal to legalise cannabis for recreational purposes. Furthermore, he expressed his disagreement with the Health Minister’s statement that this was a personal choice.

Drug taking affects not just the individual but the entire society and all studies I came across till now indicate clearly that there are negative effects

“It is not yet clear if this will just apply to cannabis or the age at which this would apply, whether this will be from those of 16 years upwards or at a higher age like 21 years. This makes this issue much more sensitive.

"Drug taking affects not just the individual but the entire society and all studies I came across till now indicate clearly that there are negative effects," he added.

Meanwhile the PN leadership candidate said one of the major challenges being faced by youths and young families was to keep up with the standard of living. Dr Delia proposed a sociological study by AZAD to identify new forms of poverty, tax reforms to give rebates to families who cannot afford to pay monthly property rent, incentives for better family planning, and increasing social assistance to those looking after vulnerable persons.

The leadership candidate said his vision was for a proactive Opposition which would come up with its own proposals, even in the form of a proper Bill, based on people’s feedback.

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